I dont think the pilot was instrument qualified and the conditions were crap.
No instrument rating in that weather, and no commercial rating? I doubt it but if true they were all on a suicide mission. Also Pilatus is a turboprop, I don’t think there are many tuboprop rated pilots without an instrument ticket. Gethereitis gets my vote.
Highly unlikely the pilot wasn’t instrument qualified. That aircraft is a very complex aircraft with a gas turbine engine, retractable gear, and I believe, a constant speed prop.
I would also bet it had a full glass panel with autopilot. In all likelihood, he was near gross and encountered icing conditions right after take off. If the airport he left was a small uncontrolled strip without de-ice capability, he was in trouble as soon as he walked out to the aircraft.
Beautiful bird, tragic loss.
he would have to be IFR qualified to fly that plane(insurance).